The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class John F. Raymond (ASN: 38456445), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 17 April 1945. Private First Class Raymond displayed exceptional fortitude and great courage near Burgos when he advanced 60 yards over open terrain in the face of an enemy machine gun which was inflicting casualties on a platoon of American riflemen. Running swiftly, he fired sharp bursts form his automatic rifle until he was 20 yards from the hostile position. Then he tossed a fragmentation grenade into the opening of the cave which housed the enemy gun. Moving on to the cave, he discovered that it went straight for ten feet and then turned to the right. Again displaying great courage and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he crawled into the cave, reached around the corner and tossed a white phosphorous and fragmentation grenade that the Japanese hiding there. Dashing outside, he took up a position and killed two of the enemy as they came running from their position. Later he again entered the cave and discovered three more enemy dead. Private First Class Raymond’s gallantry and courage contributed to the rapid completion of his platoon’s mission and saved many of his comrades from possible death or further injury. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Raymond, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.